For many, the name Rowan Atkinson is inseparably linked to the legendary Mr. Bean and his old green Mini Morris.
However, behind the comedic persona lies a serious car enthusiast and one of the most passionate supercar drivers in the world. His story with the McLaren F1 is not just about financial gain but also about the pure joy of driving.
Unlike collectors who treat their supercars as museum pieces, Atkinson used his McLaren F1 exactly as McLaren intended – as a true driver’s machine. He purchased the car in 1997 for £540,000 (around $750,000) and over the next 17 years, he drove it for more than 65,000 kilometers. It wasn’t just for luxury drives—he used it for daily errands, road trips, and even grocery shopping.
Atkinson’s McLaren F1 was not spared from accidents. The first crash occurred in 1999, but a far more serious incident happened in 2011, when he lost control during a rainstorm and crashed into a tree and a road sign. The car suffered extensive damage and required a complete restoration by McLaren’s Special Operations. The repair bill reached a record £1 million ($1.3 million), setting the UK record for the most expensive single insurance payout for a car.
The McLaren F1 remains one of the most revered supercars in history. Unveiled in 1992, it redefined the automotive industry with its central driving position, a 6.1-liter V12 engine, and a top speed of 386 km/h (240 mph). Only 64 road-legal units were ever produced, making it even more exclusive.
In June 2015, Atkinson decided to sell his McLaren F1. The car was auctioned for an astonishing £8 million (around $12 million), earning him a profit of $11.25 million. Despite two major crashes, the car’s value never declined—on the contrary, thanks to its flawless restoration and the fact that it was driven by a renowned car enthusiast, its price continued to soar.
Atkinson’s McLaren F1 journey was never just about profit, but rather about a true love for automobiles. His garage has always housed some of the most impressive cars, including an Aston Martin V8 Zagato, Honda NSX, and numerous classic vehicles. He is not just a collector—he is a driver who truly understands the thrill of high-performance machines.
